RT. HON YUSUF ADAMU GAGDI: THE UNPRECEDENTED AND UNEXPECTED QUALITY REPRESENTATION
By Kankimes Alghazali Mohammed
The world is full of aspiring political leaders but sadly, very few live up to the leadership ideals. In fact, many political leaders seem to severely lack some of the most important leadership qualities, such as integrity and accountability. It is no coincidence that for many people, the word “politician” has such negative connotations! However, history – and present day – shows us that there are still a few who come close to the leadership ideals and who are good examples of an effective political leader.
One of the factors that determine growth and development in a democratic government is based on the quality and the commitment representatives elected to coordinate the political affairs of the electorate.
An ideal democracy thrives with quality representation of the people at all levels of government. This is reflected through the level of interaction in the representations and the electorate as well as the impact the legislature has on the quality of life of the people.
In countries where democratic government is obtainable, the feelings, desires and needs of the people are transmitted to the executive through elected representatives.The representatives are most often men and women with proven integrity and who have the interest of the masses at heart.
In Nigeria there are elected representatives who serve as Councillors at the Local Government level, House of Assembly members at the State level, House of representatives members and Senators at the Federal level.
If these representatives perform like their counterparts in better democratic climes there would be massive development in the country and the people would complain less. In most advanced countries, where democratic government is driving force to growth and development, quality representation either in the parliament or congress, is always a significant factor on which the electorates take seriously in assessing those seeking political offices.
In life’s amazing symphony, the story of Rt. Hon.Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, by his sweet chords and actions, gives a meaning that is both mythical and sublime. His streaks in contemporary PKK and Plateau state are no less profound by whatever definition and often likened to different interpretations of an elephant by the six Hindustan blind men which show how limited human faculties can be when describing enigmas that defy rationality.
This is why he has been typecast aptly as the “The Detribalized Emancipator” who has not lost touch with home for the liberation of the downtrodden from underdevelopment, poverty, unemployment and insecurity. Essentially, Gagdi is both an enigma and a role model for aspiring development enthusiasts, the youths, politicians, businessmen and women.
In the public sphere, not limited to Nigeria alone, perception plays a crucial role in the way we react to issues or do things daily. The image we portray either of ourselves or the environment is therefore very important to the response we get from others within social contexts. In other words, it is imperative to portray oneself in a certain light for others to take one’s actions seriously. This is what is referred to as branding in political cycles.
One man who by his dance of fate and training understands the underpinning principle of being in public glare selflessly and who premises his actions towards the ideals of effective leadership and good governance is Rt. Hon. Gagdi, former Deputy Speaker of the 8th State Assembly on the Plateau and now member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, chairman house committee on navy and member of 18 other committees in the national assembly; the voice of the people from Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam to represent them on a fast lane to greatness.
His rise to prominence is not by sudden flight. He has really crossed the Rubicon: as a student unionist, State party exco and personal assistant to political office holders born to a humble family of late Mallam Adamu Gagdi, he held several responsibilities before venturing into politics. The man is simply a technocrat in leadership to do the needful as his contributions to the development aspirations of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal constituency are unexpected, unquantifiable and unprecedented.
In his calling, he has made unquenchable history by challenging a status quo that allegedly brought underdevelopment to the doorsteps of his people shamelessly as a fashion. When he made bold to confront the mess, it was a case which his opponents who were used to the recklessness considered as “dead on arrival”. But Gagdi armed with his resilience and determination changed the narrative and today, PKK is heading to greatness.
So intrinsic are Gagdi’s offerings. More like well-tuned harps, or the nice pitch of violins in listening ears, his strides call people’s attention to the hope they inspire in the collective psyche. His caper over Plateau State’s sphere has left enduring cadences. The very reason he was elected for the first time by the electorates in 2019, the summation of which has been variously described as unexpected ‘quality governance like never before’.
The desire to be an outstanding breed, quite distinct from others, inspired his super-curiosity and love for new challenges. This undergirds his stance to always give back to the society where his roots are traceable. The desire to contribute his quota to the development of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam in Plateau State and Nigeria has since become enduring covenant between him and the Almighty God.
Rt.Hon. Gagdi is a selfless politician who doesn’t only take stock of the needs of the populace but also find means of putting smiles on their faces with uttermost satisfaction and praises to Allah. He set the right example for those coming after him and it is clear to see that he takes responsibility for his position of a role model.
He is now widely acknowledged as a steady contributor to the socio-economic and political development of Plateau State and struggling to find a convenient space for the state on the political map of Nigeria in such an unprecedented manner never experienced before.
This is why the people are rising in larger numbers to receive him everywhere he goes with interest and such interaction affords the people an opportunity to shower praises on their illustrious son. In most of the communities he visits, the people become so excited and express their unalloyed support to have him re-elected in 2023 now that he has been adjudged an icon and garrison commander in Plateau Central politics.
His actions and deeds in government in just less than two years and practical unbroken connection to his root clearly describe his quality of leadership never witnessed before and little wonder even people from other climes are yearning for continuity of the unprecedented leadership beyond just PKK.
A call that no doubt is achievable if quality representation, hardwork, integrity, doggedness, selflessness and determination counts in our democracy.
Gagdi is scoring high goals as a Federal legislator in manners that even his fiercest detractors and critics cannot wish away.
The funniest thing about Gagdi’s political detractors, critics and power mongers is that most of them are already sinking and failing with gross incapacity to discharge their current duties.
Those who belong to the clan of achievers live the idea that inspires them to dedicate their existence, efforts and souls to its execution. Success in life is not for those who run fast, but for those who keep running and always on the move.
Kankimes Alghazali Mohd writes from Kanam L.G.A of Plateau State(Princekam75@gmail.com)
Freelance Reporters 